Longtime hockey analyst and former NHL head coach Barry Melrose has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is retiring from his television role at ESPN, he announced Tuesday.
“I’ve had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world’s greatest game, hockey. It’s now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy and whatever comes next,” Melrose said in a statement.
“I’m beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years. Thanks for the incredible memories and I’ll now be cheering for you from the stands.”
One of the sport’s most recognizable faces, Melrose has worked regularly at ESPN since 1996 after a three-year stint coaching the Los Angeles Kings. For many American hockey fans, the 67-year-old was the face of NHL coverage at the network and at ABC Sports when it was the rights holder.
“I’ve worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century,” John Buccigross, his network colleague, wrote on social media. “Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor-sharp wit, he was always early and looked like a million bucks. I love him. I’ll miss him.”
In a video produced by ESPN, Wayne Gretzky said Melrose found his “true…
